MONTPELIER - A debate in the Vermont House over children being exposed to toxic chemicals delved briefly into the abortion issue, resulting in a lawmaker being ruled out of order.

The House advanced a bill Tuesday cracking down on toxic exposures, but not before Rutland Republican Rep. Tom Terenzini tried to debate Planned Parenthood's role as an abortion provider.

After lead bill sponsor Rep. David Deen of Westminster said a Planned Parenthood official testified about the effects of toxic chemicals, Terenzini argued that Planned Parenthood had done more harm to unborn children as an abortion provider.

That drew a point of order from Rep. Ann Pugh of South Burlington. Speaker Shap Smith ruled Terenzini's comment was off-topic and impugned the integrity of a committee witness.